Thomas P. Bell, Oak Park, IL resident and treasured art teacher at St. Giles School, died August 6, 2014, at the age of 51. Tom courageously battled cancer for two years and his amazingly, positive attitude was a source of strength and inspiration to everyone who was close to him. Tom was born May 11, 1963 in North Kansas City, MO. He grew up in Liberty, MO, where he graduated from Liberty High School. Tom received his bachelor's degree from the Kansas City Art Institute and subsequently moved to Chicago to work in advertising. After 15 years working at a variety of companies (Enesco, Mobium Creative Group and Publicis/Hal Riney, to name a few), Tom decided to pursue another interestteaching. He went back to school and received his Masters in Education from National Lewis University in 2008. Tom went on to teach art at St. Giles School in Oak Park, IL for 6 years. Being an art teacher at St. Giles was his dream job. It allowed Tom to share his passion for art and importantly instill his belief that everyone could be an artist. But most importantly, being a teacher at St. Giles allowed Tom to teach his beloved sons Sean and Seamus, and also provided the opportunity for the three of them to spend their summers together. Tom is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kelly Twohig and their twelve-year-old twin sons Sean and Seamus. His parents Dwayne and Carol; His sister Jane Poe, and brothers Mike (Julie) and Brandon (Melanie). Tom was the cherished son-in-law of Pat and Gloria Twohig; beloved brother-in-law of Brian (Ellen), Pat, Tim (Beth), Erin (Brian) Obert and Kate Twohig (Adam Ochsenschlager); Devoted uncle to Laura Poe; Jordan, Tyler, Leah, Reese and Brooklyn Bell; Maura, Molly, Colleen, Sam and Joe Twohig; Ian and Keira Obert; Gabriel and Elise Ochsenschlager. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and counsins. And finally, Tom was survived by countless friends from Liberty, MO who were his beloved brothers. A Memorial Visitation was held on August 8th at Peterson-Bassi Chapels in Chicago, IL. Tom's dear friend, Fr. Carl Morello celebrated a beautiful Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 9th. In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to American Cancer Society or St. Giles School. Online guestbook and condolences are at www.twohigfunerals.com
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